Cummings Scholars Program

The Cummings Scholars Program is a community of Johns Hopkins University undergraduates who are all alumni from Baltimore City and Washington, DC public high schools. The Cummings Scholars are a diverse group of local students across all fields of study. Extensive programming and robust financial aid ensures scholarly development, cohort experiences, and a community of belonging for these students.

The Cummings Scholars Program invites students to be part of a close-knit community and engage in academic and professional opportunities and collaborate with peer, faculty, and alumni networks.

The Historical Blueprint set forth by the Baltimore Scholars Program

The Cummings Scholars Program builds on the exceptional history and proud traditions of the Baltimore Scholars Program. The Baltimore Scholars Program, established in 2005, laid the foundation for the recruitment, retention, and celebration of local students from Baltimore City public high schools. Expanded to include Washington, DC public high schools in 2022, The Cummings Scholars Program recognizes, celebrates, and relies on the Baltimore Scholars’ powerful and impressive alumni network.

Financial Support

During the fall and spring semesters, Cummings Scholars receive significant financial aid to cover tuition, housing and meals, fees, books, and other associated costs. Students also receive an annual start-up grant of $1,500 and a Cummings Enrichment Grant of up to $5,000 to support research, internships, and/or study abroad.

Learn more about Cummings Scholars financial aid.

Community and Programming

The Cummings Scholars Program is an exciting scholar community and provides opportunities for meaningful connections. As part of the Cummings Scholars Program, students will have multiple ways to engage and build connections with other scholars, alumni, and faculty including:

  • A 1-credit college skills course exclusively for first-year Cummings Scholars
  • Fully paid spring break trip during their first year
  • Conversation, meals, and special events with world-renowned JHU faculty
  • Social and volunteering events lead by the Cummings Scholars Student Advisory Board
  • Professional development opportunities in collaboration with other university offices
  • Cummings Scholars peer mentoring program

Three people smiling while posing for a photoPersonalized Advising

Intentional scholar development is rooted in personalized advising. Each Cummings Scholar will benefit from a team of advisors, centering on their academic advisor/success coach who provides a steady resource throughout the undergraduate experience, supports navigating academics, and year-round proactive holistic guidance.

The Cummings Scholars Program also boasts a strong Faculty Advisory Committee. Students may also seek advising and mentorship from a faculty committee member in their field of interest. The Cummings Scholars program staff are also available to support and advise students.

Cummings Scholars Student Advisory Board

  • Social Co-chairs:
    • Elizabeth Abatan, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Class of 2026
    • Makaila Hyman, Political Science, Class of 2026
  • Community Engagement Co-chairs:
    • Madison Diaz, Political Science and Africana Studies, Class of 2027
    • Imara Tran, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Class of 2027
  • Head of Peer Mentorship:
    • Sudarshan Shahi, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Class of 2027
  • Head of Trek Support:
    • Emilie Kpadea, Psychology and French, Class of 2027
  • Social Media Chair:
    • Abigail Aranda-Lopez, Civil Engineering, Class of 2026
  • First-Year Liaison, Arrive & Thrive Class Teaching Assistant:
    • Taylor Chase-Bynum, Sociology, Class of 2026
  • At-Large Member:
    • Laurice Djepeno, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Class of 2026

Faculty Advisory Committee

Connect with the Cummings Scholars Program